Welcome To Torque Performance
Article & Photos By: Cam IG: @Nothing_Stock_Cam
Originally Published In Torque Volume 1 Issue 1 – Fall 2021
Read The Whole article On The Torque Mag USA Web Site
The twenty years I have enjoyed the sport of Motorcycling has paved the way to developing relationships with some fantastic acquaintances, friends, and what I now consider family. I have seen the vast majority of this beautiful country through those relationships, shared moments and have excellent everlasting memories. Suppose you happen to stumble across my path at any major event. In that case, you will likely find me posted up behind a friend’s table of merchandise, mainly causing trouble but also lending a helping hand when and where I am able. Through these particular moments, I enjoy learning the ins and outs of the motorcycle parts/apparel retail side of things, what it takes to run a small company, and the sacrifices made by all involved to do so.
A close friend and independent motorcycle shop owner once told me, “Harley-Davidson is a clothing company that sells unfinished motorcycles.” That statement, more than most others I had ever heard, rang so true in my mind, and it’s something I’ll never forget. From the time I was given my first vehicle, purchased my first motorcycle, and up to the current date, I have never been able to leave them alone. It is a passion to transform what I own into something that is truly mine. Yes, I borrow ideas from others as inspiration but will typically change details to not be a complete knock-off artist. Hence, the nickname, Nothing Stock Cam. From my truck to my motorcycles, bicycles, and even my trailers, you will undoubtedly find something that isn’t stock. Stock sucks, period.
If you’re like me (I know most of you are), then you are always on the hunt for your next purchase. What will I change next? Where will I find it? How much does it cost? In my earliest days, all I knew was the H-D dealership. I overpaid for everything because it had a bar & shield logo on it, usually finding out that part was made somewhere overseas and was of sub-par quality. Next, I began purchasing aftermarket parts through the dealership and online through large corporate retailers. I felt as though I was at least on the right track but still not always satisfied with the quality/craftsmanship of the product(s). Then, as if the motorcycle heavens opened up, with a bright beam of light shining upon me, I came across independent shops and manufacturers from right here in the good old USA.
When it comes to online purchasing from American-owned companies for my retail parts, my personal go-to sites are www.teamdreamrides.com and www.hardcorecyclesinc.com. Both companies have quick ordering/shipping times, offer every part you could ever need, and have outstanding customer service. They’ve never steered me wrong. They both are super knowledgeable, reachable, and stand by their product sales. With all of that, I know that purchasing my aftermarket parts from these companies is not just lining the pockets of large corporations but is helping to provide for the families of the employees and small business owners right here in our community.
When it comes to specific parts that I run on my bikes, they can be found at www.deathmetalracing.com, www.bareknuckleperformance.com, and www.fab28industries.com. Let it be known that none of these companies endorse me in any way. They do not offer me special discounts or any other type of side-deals or whatever else may be running through your mind. These are parts that I have purchased, installed, and are of the highest American-made quality and performance. Brad of Boosted Brad’s Chop Shop (Death Metal Racing) offers parts for Baggers, Dyna’s, and FXR’s, to name a few. His risers, pegs, and covers that I run on multiple bikes are of superior craftsmanship, quality, and functionality. Not to mention that his custom paint is award-winning, absolutely gorgeous, and a purchase that I guarantee to make at some point in the future. Paul of Bare Knuckle Performance also has an entire line of quality parts for the same models with the addition of his hand-machined, stainless 12-point axles. I run his axle on my BigBoyFXR. The look and feel of his parts are extraordinarily excellent and should be on one if not all of your builds.
Finally, exhaust. We all know there are some excellent, made in America exhaust companies. D&D and Sawicki Speed, just to name a couple. I have seen the performance numbers, seen their products, and heard the sweet notes of their pipes. However, I’m writing about USA companies I have personally purchased from and run their products daily for this article. Bring in Fab28. I was a fanboy from day one. Though I haven’t met the fabricator/owner of this particular company, I have run his exhaust on two builds, one being my daily rider. Fab28 exhaust performs flawlessly, looks excellent in raw stainless, and has that raunchy tone that I always look for. I want to be heard before I’m seen.
Can you get cheaper knock-off parts from overseas? Absolutely. For my money, though, I take pride in purchasing quality parts built right here in America, providing jobs, roofs, and food for deserving local families. Save your pennies and by American. You’ll thank me later.
Stock Suck,
IG: @Nothing_Stock_Cam
